An Intensive Supervision Juvenile Probation Program in Peoria County, Illinois, targets juvenile offenders placed on probation for known gang-related behavior and/or substance abuse in its Anti-Gang and Drug Abuse Unit. The program consists of several essential elements for effective intensive supervision: probation, including small caseloads, frequent contacts with probationers, and distinct graduated-sanctions phases to structure movement through the program; substance abuse assessments; rehabilitation programs; and behavioral controls, such as electronic monitoring, curfews, home confinement, and random drug testing. Probation officers make frequent contacts with program participants, their families, schools, and treatment providers. Participants are seen in their homes, schools, and communities. The officers have the authority to impose immediate consequences when observing or substantiating any negative behaviors.
Evaluation of the program demonstrated positive effects in that nearly 60 percent of the program participants were not charged with a new criminal offense and approximately 65 percent did not receive any technical violations while in the program. Unfortunately, a control group comparison was not made.
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority: Promising program
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
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Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 793-8550
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Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. (2002). “The Impact of Intensive Juvenile Probation Programs.” On Good Authority, 6(1):1–5.